The Catechism and A.F.M.

Thomas Creen, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

The phrase “You strain the gnat and swallow the camel” (Mt 23:24) brings to mind the Pharisees, since Jesus directed this reproach to them. But lately it seems that the same phrase could be applied to those who follow A.F.M. – artificial, fluctuating morality (better known as political correctness). It is ever more noticeable the increasing number of people who, succumbing to political correctness, feel deeply guilty for relatively trivial matters while seeming to feel no remorse for committing grave sins. Straining the gnat and swallowing the camel.

It is not uncommon in today’s society for some people to be passionately concerned about being nice to animals while having no problem with babies being murdered. Or people are worried about cutting down a tree but not about cutting up a marriage. Or people are worried about chemical additives in their food but have no problem with chemical additives in their reproductive systems in the form of birth control.

It is good to strain gnats out. It is good to show Christian concern for animals, the environment, and one’s diet. Jesus does not say we should neglect the gnats. But He shows how outrageous it is to be picky about little things while not caring about big ones. And the way to avoid this creeping, contagious error is by thinking with the Church, “sentire cum Ecclesia” – one of the foundational principles of Miles Jesu. The Catechism of the Catholic Church helps us do so. “The Catechism of the Catholic Church will serve as a tool providing real support for the faith, especially for those concerned with the formation of Christians, so crucial in our cultural context” (Porta Fide, 12, emphasis added).

This post is also available in: